What Does Milwaukee Tool's Limited Warranty Mean And What Isn't Covered?

Though not all of its tools are made in Wisconsin these days, Milwaukee Tools remains one of the most notable names in the tool game. In fact, the brand has spent the better part of the past decade building a reputation for manufacturing a lineup of hand tools, power tools, and storage gear known for being as tough and reliable as they are innovative. And nowadays, there's a Milwaukee-branded tool for just about any job at hand, including a few that could prove invaluable to those in the DIY landscaping set.

Apart from their general esteem in the tool community, devices bearing the Milwaukee logo also come with one of the better warranties in the consumer tool market. You may not realize it, but that warranty goes into effect the moment you purchase a Milwaukee-branded device from a licensed distributor, meaning you do not need to register the device elsewhere for the coverage to be activated. According to Milwaukee, when that warranty goes into effect, the tool will be covered from any defect in materials or craftsmanship that went into its making. If any such defect is found, it should be repaired or replaced by Milwaukee Tools free of cost.

There are, of course, a few catches to Milwaukee Tools' warranty coverage that you'll need to consider before you go the repair or replace route. That's because the warranty is limited in its coverage, primarily in regard to the time from which the tool was purchased to when it failed. 

Unlike some other brands, Milwaukee Tools do not come with a lifetime warranty. Rather, the limited warranty that takes effect at the point of purchase will have a specific time frame as part of its condition, with coverages stretching anywhere from one year to five years, depending on the tool. That being the case, it would be wise to hang on to any receipt you receive at the point of purchase, as you may be called upon to produce the document by Milwaukee Tools agents in the event that you do seek out either repair or replacement for a defective device from the brand.

In fact, Milwaukee specifically states on its warranty information page that having your receipt may help expedite your case should you need to cash in on your coverage. Likewise, the company's warranty info page notes specifically that if your device has surpassed its limited warranty period, it will not be considered for free repair or replacement.

Perhaps more importantly, the page states clearly that even devices which are still covered under their set warranty period may not qualify for any action on the part of Milwaukee. That's particularly true of devices that do not fail due to any faulty parts or workmanship, and instead fail due to normal wear and tear on the job. Similarly, devices that have failed due to perceived abuse on behalf of the user are not covered. It is, however, unclear precisely how Milwaukee Tools service agents determine whether or not a tool was abused.